December 6, 2016. The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) has launched a website to provide the public with information about their mission: "the effective protection of minors and a commitment to ensure their human and spiritual development.”

Vatican launches new website for the Protection of Minors from sex abuse

December 6, 2016. The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) has launched a website to provide the public with information about their mission: "the effective protection of minors and a commitment to ensure their human and spiritual development.”

Vatican launches new website for the Protection of Minors from sex abuse

December 6, 2016. The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) has launched a website to provide the public with information about their mission: "the effective protection of minors and a commitment to ensure their human and spiritual development.”

Best of 2013. October: A very special visit to Assisi

On October 1st, the Pope had his first meeting with the so-called G8, the group of eight cardinals who advise him on ways to reform the Roman Curia and the governance of the Church.

Shortly after, the Vatican announced that a new Constitution for the Curia could be on its way.

FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI

Vatican Spokesman

"The idea is not limited to updating the current 'Pastor Bonus' constitution, with small tweaks here and there. Instead the Pope plans on drafting a new constitution that includes new relevant changes. I think we can expect a new constitution.”

It was in this meeting that they discussed the Vatican's next synod on the family in 2014.

October 4

The group of eight cardinals accompanied Pope Francis when he visited the Italian city of Assisi, hometown of St. Francis.

There, he prayed before the tomb of the saint, who is known as the patron of the poor. And since he was only there for one day, he really made it count: he visited the ill, priests, cloistered nuns, and the town's youth. He also had lunch with a group of marginalized people.

He gave many speeches, but it was these words he said to newlywed couples that got the world's attention:

POPE FRANCIS

(October 4) - "Argue as much as you want, if the plates start flying, so be it. But never let the day end without making peace. Never!”

October 15

Halfway through the month, the Vatican had yet to another governmental change: Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone ended his seven year term as Secretary of State. In a small farewell ceremony, Pope Francis thanked him for his service and announced that the new Secretary, Pietro Parolin, would be assuming his new tasks after he recuperated from surgery.

October 26

The Pope continued his busy schedule by welcoming thousands of families from all over the world to a special gathering in St. Peter's Square on October 26th.

The sky was covered by all-color balloons, and the atmosphere was lightened by the presence of children and even grandparents. The Pope explained the three words every family must learn to say to always live in harmony.

POPE FRANCIS

(October 26) - "Excuse me, thank you and I'm sorry. Shall we say them together? Excuse me, thank you and I'm sorry. Good, let's live out these three words in our family, forgiving one another every day.”

But without a doubt, all eyes were on this little boy. He not only got Pope Francis' attention during the family Vigil, but the also the world's.

Throughout the whole ceremony, he never left the Pope's side. He didn't even mind the crowd or some tempting offers made by the Pope's butler.

The boy made it clear that he was quite comfortable with the Pope, who didn't seem to mind the distractions.

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Best of 2013. October: A very special visit to Assisi>

October 1

On October 1st, the Pope had his first meeting with the so-called G8, the group of eight cardinals who advise him on ways to reform the Roman Curia and the governance of the Church.

Shortly after, the Vatican announced that a new Constitution for the Curia could be on its way.

FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI

Vatican Spokesman

"The idea is not limited to updating the current 'Pastor Bonus' constitution, with small tweaks here and there. Instead the Pope plans on drafting a new constitution that includes new relevant changes. I think we can expect a new constitution.”

It was in this meeting that they discussed the Vatican's next synod on the family in 2014.

October 4

The group of eight cardinals accompanied Pope Francis when he visited the Italian city of Assisi, hometown of St. Francis.

There, he prayed before the tomb of the saint, who is known as the patron of the poor. And since he was only there for one day, he really made it count: he visited the ill, priests, cloistered nuns, and the town's youth. He also had lunch with a group of marginalized people.

He gave many speeches, but it was these words he said to newlywed couples that got the world's attention:

POPE FRANCIS

(October 4) - "Argue as much as you want, if the plates start flying, so be it. But never let the day end without making peace. Never!”

October 15

Halfway through the month, the Vatican had yet to another governmental change: Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone ended his seven year term as Secretary of State. In a small farewell ceremony, Pope Francis thanked him for his service and announced that the new Secretary, Pietro Parolin, would be assuming his new tasks after he recuperated from surgery.

October 26

The Pope continued his busy schedule by welcoming thousands of families from all over the world to a special gathering in St. Peter's Square on October 26th.

The sky was covered by all-color balloons, and the atmosphere was lightened by the presence of children and even grandparents. The Pope explained the three words every family must learn to say to always live in harmony.

POPE FRANCIS

(October 26) - "Excuse me, thank you and I'm sorry. Shall we say them together? Excuse me, thank you and I'm sorry. Good, let's live out these three words in our family, forgiving one another every day.”

But without a doubt, all eyes were on this little boy. He not only got Pope Francis' attention during the family Vigil, but the also the world's.

Throughout the whole ceremony, he never left the Pope's side. He didn't even mind the crowd or some tempting offers made by the Pope's butler.

The boy made it clear that he was quite comfortable with the Pope, who didn't seem to mind the distractions.